James Wilson and Tyler Hayes, RUS representatives for Kentucky and Tennessee respectively, join the podcast to tell us what they are seeing across the landscape and what they are expecting to occur in the future.

You can register for the event here.

The convention is June 4-6. Register today at www.tennesseebroadband.com/events. 

Kaleigh Cox, director of marketing at DxTel, tells our listeners about Fiber Homes on this podcast episode.

Joe Marco is also a cybersecurity research engineer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

You can register for the event at https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/events/kta-tnba-fall-conference-supplier-showcase-2/.

Lancaster lawmaker discusses importance of broadband access for education

While speaking with Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles for “Lead Tennessee Radio,” State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver said broadband access is vital for schools in rural Tennessee.

Weaver, R-Lancaster, is a member of the Education Committee, K-12 subcommittee, Transportation Committee, and the Safety and Funding subcommittee. 

A singer/songwriter who was named female vocalist of the year with three No. 1 gospel songs, Weaver represents Smith, Trousdale, and parts of Dekalb and Sumner counties.

On the TNBA podcast, Weaver discusses the challenges facing rural Tennessee and the importance of having access to high-speed internet and how it can improve access to quality education.

Weaver is very active in her community. She is the past chairman of the Smith County Republican Party and chairman of the Smith County Independence Day Parade. She is a member of the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and the National Rifle Association.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity for the people of Tennessee to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Past episodes feature state leaders such as Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; and many more.

“Our association members are close to their communities, and they understand that decisions made in Nashville impact those they serve,” Knowles says. “This podcast is a great opportunity to have conversations with those making decisions that will impact the lives of all Tennesseans.”

Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.

Kingston lawmaker discusses importance of broadband access to rural Tennessee

Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles interviews state Sen. Ken Yager for the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”

Yager, R-Kingston, is the majority caucus chairman and represents Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, Pickett and Scott counties.

On the TNBA podcast, Yager discusses the challenges facing rural Tennessee and the importance of having access to high-speed internet and how it can improve access to quality health care. Yager also discusses his role as majority caucus chairman.

Yager, an attorney, serves on several important committees including Finance, Ways and Means; Joint Fiscal Review; Ethics; and State and Local Government committees. He and his wife have two grown children. 

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state leaders and lawmakers. Past episodes feature state leaders such as Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; and many more.

“Our association members are close to their communities, and they understand that decisions made in Nashville impact those they serve,” Knowles says. “This podcast is a great opportunity to have conversations with these leaders and to share their thoughts with a wide audience.”

Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.

Franklin lawmaker discusses broadband funding for rural Tennessee

Tennessee Sen. Jack Johnson discussed the importance of funding broadband expansion in rural Tennessee and other issues lawmakers will address this legislative session for the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”

Johnson, R-Franklin represents Williamson County in the State Senate, where he also serves as Majority Leader. He is the first vice chair of the Senate Calendar Committee and a member of Finance, Ways and Means; Commerce and Labor; and Joint Pension and Insurance committees.

Johnson is very involved in his community and participates in a number of local and statewide organizations, such as the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, Williamson County Republican Party Chairman’s Circle, National Rifle Association, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He is an advisory board member for the David House Child Advocacy Center.

He and his wife, Deanna, have three children. They are members of Grace Chapel Church in Leipers Fork.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. During the podcast, TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles sits down with state leaders in Nashville to discuss issues important to rural Tennessee. Past episodes feature state leaders such as Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; and many more.

“This is an great opportunity for the people in rural Tennessee to hear directly from leaders in Nashville who are making decisions on issues that directly affect them,” Knowles said. 

Our members and anyone living in rural Tennessee will be able to hear their state leaders discuss issues they care about,” Knowles said.

Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.

On the TNBA podcast, Haile, R-Gallatin, discusses his upbringing and how it shaped his life and prepared him for politics. He also discusses challenges facing rural Tennessee and the importance of having access to high-speed internet.

Haile represents Sumner, Trousdale and part of Davidson counties in the Tennessee Senate. He serves on a number of committees, including Finance, Ways & Means; Education; and Senate Rules. As speaker pro tempore, Haile presides over the Senate if the speaker is absent.

Haile is a retired pharmacist and operates Haile Farms in Gallatin. He and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren. 

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state leaders and lawmakers. Each episode includes a conversation between state leaders and TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles.

"This podcast is an opportunity for us to engage those making decisions in Nashville about issues facing rural Tennessee,” Knowles says. “It is important for us to remain part of the discussion about issues important to small-business owners and residents in rural Tennessee.”

Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; Assistant House Majority Leader Ron Gant, R-Rossville; and the TNBA’s government affairs team.

Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.

Leadership member discusses broadband and its impact on rural development

Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles interviewed Assistant House Majority Leader Ron Gant in the most recent episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”

Rep. Gant, R-Rossville, represents Fayette, McNairy and part of Hardeman counties. He serves on a number of committees, including the Finance, Ways, & Means Committee; Insurance Committee; Health Committee; the Select Committee on Rules; and a number of subcommittees. 

During the podcast, Gant discussed the role broadband plays in economic development, particularly in rural areas. He also discussed ways broadband and telemedicine can improve access to quality health care in underserved areas of the state.

Gant and his wife, Dr. Karen Gant, have two children. They live in Rossville, Tennessee, where Gant is an insurance agent. He is the former chairman of Rossville Christian School and past board member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. 

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.

"Lead Tennessee Radio" tackles issues facing state in latest episode

Tennessee Broadband Association featured House Majority Leader William Lamberth in the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”

Rep. Lamberth, R-Portland, serves a portion of Sumner County and sits on a number of committees, including the Judiciary Committee; Finance, Ways, & Means Committee; Government Operations Committee; Select Committee on Rules; Select Committee on Ethics; and a number of subcommittees.

During the podcast, TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles asked Lamberth about the impact his rural upbringing had on his decision to seek political office. Lamberth also discussed broadband’s impact on rural development and how broadband can improve access to health care in rural Tennessee.

Lamberth, an attorney, lives in Portland, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. He is chairman of the Portland Community Education Foundation and a board member of Children are People. He is the former president of the Gallatin Rotary Club and a member of the Chambers of Commerce in Portland, Hendersonville, Gallatin and Westmoreland.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.

GOP Caucus chairman discusses economy and technology’s role in rural development 

“Lead Tennessee Radio” features House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison in the latest episode of the Tennessee Broadband Association’s podcast.

Rep. Faison, R-Cosby, represents Cocke and parts of Jefferson and Greene counties. He was first elected to the General Assembly in 2010. He was later elected by GOP members to lead the House Republican Caucus and is now one of the highest ranking House leadership members. Rep. Faison serves on the Finance, Ways and Means Committee; Government Operations Committee; Insurance Committee; and a number of subcommittees.

During the podcast, Rep. Faison, who is a small-business owner and member of the Cocke County Chamber of Commerce, discussed the impact of small businesses on the economy. He also discussed the challenges facing rural Tennessee and the role he sees broadband playing in rural development.

He and his wife make their home in Cosby, Tennessee, with their five children. They are involved in their community and active members of Crossroads Community Church.

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.

Capitol Strategy Group represents members’ interests in Nashville

In a new episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio,” Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles discusses legislative priorities with TNBA’s government affairs team.

Kim Adkins and Steve Buttry of Capitol Strategy Group act as liaisons between state government and lawmakers in Nashville to promote issues affecting TNBA and its members.

Some of the most important issues lawmakers will address during the current legislative session include financing broadband expansion in unserved rural areas and potential tax cuts for the business community.

Adkins says it is vital to residents in rural Tennessee that TNBA is involved in the legislative process.

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, you are on the menu,” Adkins says. “State leadership understands we need to be part of the discussion.”

In the podcast, Adkins and Buttry discuss the roles of the government affairs team and the importance of promoting the TNBA as broadband experts and partners in efforts to make rural Tennessee a better place to live.

Buttry says one of the most important things TNBA members can do, regardless of whether they are chief executives or general managers, is make personal introductions to their state representatives.

“We are the tip of the spear during the legislative session,” he says. “But when legislators can put a constituent face on an issue we are discussing, that makes all the difference in the world.”

The “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast is produced by the TNBA. It is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state officials. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, along with other state lawmakers. It can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or by visiting www.tennesseebroadband.com.

Upcoming episodes will feature members of the Tennessee Senate leadership.

For this episode of Lead Tennessee Radio, Lt. Gov. McNally welcomed to his office Levoy Knowles, executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association. Among the topics they discussed were:

• Tennessee's strong fiscal position
• the importance of the state's Triple A rating
• the upcoming 2020 legislative session
• challenges facing rural Tennessee
• the role of broadband in health care and rural development

To learn more about Lt. Gov. McNally, visit http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/speaker.html

For more information about the Tennessee Broadband Association, visit https://www.tennesseebroadband.com.

For this premier episode of Lead Tennessee Radio, Speaker Sexton welcomed to his office Levoy Knowles, executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association. Among the topics they discussed were:

• challenges facing rural Tennessee
• the role of broadband in rural development
• health care
• telemedicine
• the upcoming 2020 legislative session

To learn more about Speaker Sexton, visit http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h25.html.
For more information about the Tennessee Broadband Association, visit https://www.tennesseebroadband.com.